In a decisive strike against illicit trade following the recent Pahalgam terror attacks, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has uncovered and dismantled a smuggling network attempting to import Pakistan-origin goods into India through third-country routing, primarily via Dubai. Under the codename “Operation Deep Manifest,” DRI seized 39 containers carrying 1,115 metric tonnes of goods, valued at approximately Rs. 9 crore. One individual linked to the importing firm has been arrested.
The operation comes in the wake of the Indian government’s blanket ban — enforced from May 2, 2025 — on the direct or indirect import and transit of goods from Pakistan, prompted by national security concerns after the Pahalgam attack. Prior to the ban, Pakistani-origin goods attracted a punitive 200% customs duty, but recent investigations exposed efforts by certain importers to bypass the policy through misdeclaration and document manipulation.
The seized consignments — falsely declared as UAE-origin — were found to be dry dates originating in Pakistan, shipped through Dubai’s Jebel Ali port before reaching Nhava Sheva port in India. Investigators revealed that the goods were first transported from Karachi using one set of containers and vessels, then reloaded onto another set bound for India. Financial trails uncovered connections to Pakistani entities, raising concerns over illicit fund flows.
The entire smuggling operation was facilitated by a coordinated network of Pakistani and UAE nationals, using layered logistics and trade documentation to disguise the origin of goods. This case marks a significant breakthrough under DRI’s enhanced surveillance measures, particularly as part of “Operation Sindoor”, aimed at curbing security threats through targeted cargo inspections.
“Operation Deep Manifest” underscores DRI’s role in enforcing the Government’s trade and security policies. Through sophisticated data analytics, inter-agency coordination, and strategic enforcement, DRI continues to guard India’s economic and national interests by cracking down on unlawful trade practices linked to hostile actors.
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